Mars is
the focus of much scientific study about possible human colonization.
Permanent
human habitation on other planets, including
Mars, is one of most prevalent themes in science fiction. As
technology advances, and concerns
about humanity's future on Earth increase, arguments
favoring space colonization gain momentum. Other
reasons for colonizing space include economic interests, long-term scientific
research best carried out by humans as opposed to robotic probes, and sheer
curiosity.
Both
private and public organizations have made commitments to researching the
viability of long-term colonization efforts and to taking steps toward a
permanent human presence on Mars.
NASA has released a report containing detailed plans for a human mission to Mars. This has been a long-standing goal for NASA and their
report outlines the challenges of Mars exploration in three stages. The first,
‘Earth Reliant’, stage focuses on research aboard the International Space Station. The ‘Proving Ground’ stage puts humans deeper into space
for research, while remaining a few days from Earth. The ‘Earth Independent’
stage completes the plan by getting humans to the surface of Mars.
NASA is not the only organization preparing to send humans to the
red planet. SpaceX,
Dennis Tito’s Inspiration
Mars Foundation, and Mars One have
all expressed an aim to visit and in some cases even colonize Mars.
5 jobs that will take you to Mars
Employer:
Johns Hopkins University
Description: The department of Johns Hopkins University
department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is seeking a specialist in
Geographic Information Systems and geospatial data processing, with a focus on
planetary datasets. Responsibilities include processing data from several
recent NASA missions, with a focus on high-resolution datasets on Mars, and
assistance with drafting maps and figures for research projects. Specific
projects and tasks will be directed by the research goals of the Planetary
Research Group in EPS, but the applicant will be responsible for developing and
refining software techniques to achieve those objectives.
Employer:
SpaceX
Description: SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future
where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally more exciting than
one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to
make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.
Responsibilities include in-process inspection and final verification of
production hardware to drawing, process specifications and work order
requirements in the PCB/PCBA and assembly manufacturing work centers. Identify,
document, and resolve production and test anomalies in accordance with
prescribed procedures and pursue corrective action as required. Interface with
engineering and production to resolve nonconforming material issues.
Employer:
Straton Industries
Description: We are a precision manufacturing company that
makes very cool and complex stuff that goes everywhere. Our components are in
all types of aircraft, the International Space Station, nuclear subs, military
robots, lifesaving medical devices and deep drilling oil rigs. We are on the
Mars Rover (Curiosity) as well. Applicant's major responsibilities will be, to
perform and to manage a team of 3-5 people who perform the following
responsibilities: Developing and designing manufacturing process sheets for the
sequence of operations and specifying procedures for manufacturing components
and assemblies. Estimating manufacturing costs for components and assemblies
based on RFQ (request for quote) data submitted for prospective customers.
Analyzing specifications, including sketches, blueprints, bills of material and
calculating the cost using material quotes and historical data.
Employer:
SpaceX
Description: Successfully launch SpaceX rockets! Develop and
execute procedures for the integration and checkout of Launch Flight Avionics
Hardware and Ground Support Electrical Equipment. You must be a self-starter
that will seek out the solutions to technical problems with the local team
along with the larger SpaceX workforce. Develop and/or provide input into
Automation and Auto-sequences of launch operations for streamlining future
Launches. Help SpaceX achieve its long-term goal of creating the world’s first
fully automated launch system capable of rolling the vehicle to the pad,
raising it to position, fueling the vehicle, and executing a full launch
sequence within a 1-hour time window.
Employer:
Bloom Energy
Description: Bloom Energy will make clean, reliable energy
affordable for everyone in the world. Our technology, first developed for
NASA's Mars Program, will dramatically change the way that the world’s energy
is produced, distributed and consumed. Role and responsibilities: Work within
the stack engineering team to develop new SOFC (solid oxide fuel cell)
materials and components, and lead the implementation of new technologies in
production. Draw on extensive expertise in electrochemistry and high
temperature materials to identify promising materials, define functional
requirements, establish and execute characterization studies on the component
and stack level, and evaluate performance and degradation against established
metrics.
